[Vigilanteman]

Their basic business model is that they maximize profits by NOT treating people. Of course, they have to treat people to stay in business but when I worked in California, the union that I belonged to gave me a choice of three plans-- Kaiser, Ross-Loos and an indemnity plan where you paid a percentage for any doctor of your choice.

They explained the Kaiser business model. Ross-Loos operated on the same model but generated fewer complaints so, being young, healthy, naive and thrifty, I picked Ross-Loos.

Long story short, the first time that I had to use it, I drove three towns over to their nearest facility, waited my turn and got scolded for seeking treatment (a severe burn) for something I ought to be able to handle myself.

They changed the dressing and handed me an instruction sheet. At the next opportunity, I dropped them and changed to the indemnity plan. Yeah, it cost me a little more if I sought treatment, but I would be seeing somebody who welcomed the business rather than resented the intrusion.

[Albion Wilde]

Their basic business model is that they maximize profits by NOT treating people.

Totally agree. Have had to fight to get tests that were common sense and routine according to my former provider (who left Maryland due to Maryland's insurance regs not meeting their standards of care). When the enrollement period comes around this fall, I'm looking for something else.